3 Nonalcoholic Holiday Punches To Make at Home

There is something distinctly fun and welcoming about punch, which helps to explain why this party-friendly drink is making such a comeback. These 3 recipes are a great way to highlight classic holiday flavors like cinnamon, cranberries, and apples. Best of all, since these drinks are non-alcoholic, the whole family can enjoy them.

Mulled Cider

In my experience, a simmering pot of mulled cider on the stove is way better than any holiday-scented candles. As the fresh apple cider mixes with cinnamon and cloves, the air gets infused with warming spices. Of course this punch tastes amazing too: it's a throat-soothing blend of spices and apples. Because some mulled cider can be heavy or cloying, I add orange rind to the blend. The notes of citrus make this mulled cider livelier and more food friendly.

Cranberry Orange Punch

This is a refreshing, sweet-tart punch in a happy shade of holiday red. Orange and cranberry juices are whisked together with lightly sweetened raspberry puree. Starting with notes of red fruit and ending with tart citrus, this punch is pleasing to a range of palates. Just before serving, top off the punch with seltzer to make it light and toast-worthy. Ice cubes with cranberries frozen inside are an easy (and festive) garnish.

Fizzy Pear Ginger Punch

For this punch, I start by making a homemade ginger syrup. The spicy syrup is perfect mixed with pear juice, which has an earthy, mellow sweetness. To make this punch especially easy-drinking and to give it a tongue tingling effervescence, I add seltzer and a dose of freshly squeezed lemon. Serve this elegant punch in a cocktail glass garnished with candied ginger.